
Nano-enabled Sustainable and Precision Agriculture
- 1st Edition - August 3, 2023
- Editors: Peng Zhang, Iseult Lynch, J.C. White, Richard D. Handy
- Language: English
- Paperback ISBN:9 7 8 - 0 - 3 2 3 - 9 1 2 3 3 - 4
- eBook ISBN:9 7 8 - 0 - 3 2 3 - 9 9 8 2 3 - 9
Nano-enabled Sustainable and Precision Agriculture is the first single-volume resource to cover this important field using a whole systems approach that considers both opport… Read more

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Request a sales quoteNano-enabled Sustainable and Precision Agriculture is the first single-volume resource to cover this important field using a whole systems approach that considers both opportunities and challenges. The book provides a comprehensive understanding of the role of nanotechnology in agriculture from broad aspects, but also includes a comprehensive view of the interaction of nanomaterials with soil-plant systems. It highlights aspects not described in previous books, including the application of nanoinformatics and artificial intelligence in nano-enabled sustainable agriculture, the application of nanotechnology in alternative forms of agriculture such as hydroponics, and regulatory frameworks for this research field.
The book addresses all these aspects by including sections on enhanced sustainability, reduced pollution and enhanced ecosystems' health, and the role of nanoinformatics and machine learning.
The book addresses all these aspects by including sections on enhanced sustainability, reduced pollution and enhanced ecosystems' health, and the role of nanoinformatics and machine learning.
- Provides foundational insights and resources for each area, including soil science, water chemistry, nanoscience, plant science, microbiology and nanoinformatics
- Focuses on mechanisms of action, transformations and the underpinning chemistry and biochemistry
- Includes linkages and cross-referencing between chapters to ensure a cohesive and comprehensive resource
Undergraduate, MSc. and PhD research courses such as Biotechnology, Environmental Chemistry, Agriculture / Agricultural Science, Sustainable Agriculture / Land management, Environmental Engineering etc. Scientists in the field of nanoscience, environmental science, agricultural science, soil science, aquaculture and experts in nano- and agrochemical industry and other agritech sectors
- Cover image
- Title page
- Table of Contents
- Copyright
- List of contributors
- Section I: Introduction
- 1. A brief history of nanotechnology in agriculture and current status
- Abstract
- Learning outcomes
- 1.1 A very brief history of genetic engineering and how it lost public trust
- 1.2 Nanotechnologies as a safer alternative to biotechnological approaches
- 1.3 The need to ensure trust in nano-enabled agriculture
- 1.4 Study questions
- References
- Further reading
- Section II: Nanotechnology application in agriculture
- 2. Use of nanotechnology to increase nutrient use efficiency, enhance crop nutrition, and reduce agrochemical pollution
- Abstract
- 2.1 Introduction
- 2.2 Nutrient management and the development of fertilizer
- 2.3 Nanotechnology: how it works and potential uses within agriculture
- 2.4 The problem of agricultural pollution and methods to minimize it
- 2.5 Nanotechnology as a solution for the inefficiencies of conventional fertilizers
- 2.6 Summary
- 2.7 Study questions
- References
- Further reading
- 3. Nanofertilizers—synthesis, advantages, and the current status
- Abstract
- 3.1 Nanofertilizers’ design for plant production
- 3.2 Formulations and synthesis methods for nanofertilizers applied to soils, leaves, or seeds
- 3.3 Nanoparticles’ design and formulation strategies for efficient targeting and delivery to plant structures
- 3.4 Lessons learned from nanodrug delivery systems that can help improving the design, synthesis, and mode of action of nanofertilizers
- 3.5 Conclusion
- References
- 4. Nanopesticides—modes of action and impacts
- Abstract
- Learning objectives
- 4.1 Introduction: what are nanopesticides?
- 4.2 Nanopesticides and homeostasis: from cellular to systemic view
- 4.3 Modes of action
- 4.4 Potential environmental impacts of nanopesticides
- 4.5 Conclusion and future perspectives
- 4.6 Study questions
- Acknowledgments
- References
- Further reading
- 5. Nanofertilization for plant health
- Abstract
- Learning objectives
- 5.1 Introduction to Nanofertilization
- 5.2 Case study: Role of nano-Cu in plant health and disease management
- 5.3 Case study: Role of nano-Si on plant health and disease suppression
- 5.4 Case study: Role of nano-Zn for bacteria management
- 5.5 Conclusion and future perspectives
- 5.6 Study questions
- Acknowledgments
- References
- 6. Plant nanobionics: nanotechnology for augmentation of photosynthesis efficiency
- Abstract
- Learning objectives
- 6.1 Introduction
- 6.2 Plant photosynthesis
- 6.3 Nanomaterials used for improving plant photosynthesis
- 6.4 Mechanisms underlying nanomaterials improved plant photosynthesis
- 6.5 Conclusion and perspectives
- 6.6 Study questions
- 6.7 Further questions
- Acknowledgments
- References
- 7. Nanomaterials for soil contaminant remediation
- Abstract
- Learning objectives
- 7.1 Introduction
- 7.2 Fundamentals of nanoremediation
- 7.3 Nano-enabled bioremediation of soil contamination
- 7.4 Perspectives and challenges
- 7.5 Study questions
- References
- Further reading
- 8. Nanotechnology in livestock: improving animal production and health
- Abstract
- Learning objectives
- 8.1 Introduction
- 8.2 Nanotechnology in livestock
- 8.3 Other uses of nanotechnology in livestock
- 8.4 Safety and regulatory aspects
- 8.5 Study questions
- Acknowledgments
- References
- 9. Nanotechnology for aquaculture and fisheries
- Abstract
- Learning objectives
- 9.1 Introduction—why use nanotechnology in aquaculture and fisheries?
- 9.2 Nanomaterials in fish processing and food packaging
- 9.3 Nanomaterials in aquafeeds and fish nutrition
- 9.4 Nanomedicines, veterinary treatments, and new tools for diagnosing fish health
- 9.5 Use of nanotechnology for fish breeding and husbandry of early life stages
- 9.6 Nanotechnology for maintaining water quality
- 9.7 Engineering of aquaculture systems, boats, and fishing gear
- 9.8 Fate and behavior of nanomaterials in aquaculture systems
- 9.9 Ecotoxicity to fishes and shellfish
- 9.10 Monitoring the food safety of fish and Shellfish
- 9.11 Conclusions on risks and benefits
- 9.12 Summary
- 9.13 Study questions
- Acknowledgment
- References
- 10. Hydroponics and alternative forms of agriculture: opportunities from nanotechnology
- Abstract
- Learning objectives
- 10.1 Introduction
- 10.2 Hydroponics and alternative agricultural approaches
- 10.3 Nanomaterials and precision agriculture
- 10.4 Summary
- References
- Further reading
- Section III: Interaction of nanomaterials with soil-plant systems and implications for nano-enabled agriculture
- 11. Plant–nano interactions: lessons learned from 15 years of nanophytotoxicity studies
- Abstract
- 11.1 Introduction
- 11.2 Nano effect on plants’ physiological indices and crop quality
- 11.3 Nano-induced gene and molecular level of toxicity in plants
- 11.4 The accumulation and translocation of nanomaterials in plants
- 11.5 Plant detoxification
- 11.6 Conclusion and discussion
- 11.7 Future scope
- Acknowledgments
- References
- 12. Nano–microbe interaction and implications for soil health and plant vigor: dialogs in the rhizosphere
- Abstract
- Learning objectives
- Glossary
- Summary
- 12.1 Introduction
- 12.2 Soil properties that influence the consequences of nanoparticle applications and soil health
- 12.3 Summary
- 12.4 The players in the rhizosphere–nanoparticle interactions
- 12.5 The future: thoughts about the power of nanosize in agriculture
- Acknowledgments
- References
- 13. Nanomaterial transport and transformation in soil–plant systems: role of rhizosphere chemistry
- Abstract
- 13.1 Introduction
- 13.2 The role of rhizosphere interactions in bioaccumulation of nanomaterials
- 13.3 Rhizosphere processes on the transformation of nanomaterials
- 13.4 New approaches to studying chemical and physical changes of nanomaterials in the rhizosphere
- 13.5 Conclusions and perspective
- Acknowledgments
- References
- Further reading
- 14. Synergistic effect of nanomaterials with organic and inorganic soil contaminants
- Abstract
- Learning objectives
- 14.1 Introduction
- 14.2 Joint effect of engineered nanomaterials and inorganic soil contaminants
- 14.3 Joint effect of engineered nanomaterials with organic soil contaminants
- 14.4 Conclusions and future insights
- Acknowledgment
- References
- 15. Analytical techniques for detection of nanomaterials in soil–plant system
- Abstract
- Learning objectives
- 15.1 Introduction
- 15.2 Imaging techniques
- 15.3 Quantification techniques
- 15.4 Techniques for analyzing nanomaterials transformations ex situ and in situ during and following uptake and localization
- 15.5 Conclusions and future perspectives
- References
- 16. Assessment of manufactured nano-objects on earthworm species
- Abstract
- 16.1 Introduction
- 16.2 Analysis of current research hotspots
- 16.3 Metallic manufactured nano-object effects on earthworms
- 16.4 Carbon-based manufactured nano-object effects on earthworms
- 16.5 Conclusion and future outlook
- Acknowledgment
- References
- 17. Thinking in systems: sustainable design of nano-enabled agriculture informed by life cycle assessment
- Abstract
- Learning objectives
- 17.1 The food production “system of systems”
- 17.2 Life cycle assessment: a tool to support systems thinking for sustainable design
- 17.3 Integrated systems approaches to evaluate emerging technologies
- 17.4 A trade-off analysis approach to inform sustainable design of emerging technologies
- 17.5 Getting started with a trade-off analysis
- 17.6 No approach is without limitations: what to be aware of when interpreting results and extrapolating findings
- 17.7 Study questions
- Acknowledgments
- References
- Further reading
- 18. Food chain transfer of nanomaterials in agriculture
- Abstract
- 18.1 Food chain transfer and biomagnification
- 18.2 Learning objectives
- 18.3 Summary
- References
- 19. Nanoinformatics and artificial intelligence for nano-enabled sustainable agriculture
- Abstract
- Learning objectives
- 19.1 Introduction
- 19.2 Artificial intelligence and machine learning approaches
- 19.3 Nanoinformatics for nano-enabled sustainable agriculture
- 19.4 Case study on the use of machine learning to enhance nano-enabled agriculture
- 19.5 Future challenges
- 19.6 Study questions
- Acknowledgments
- References
- Index
- No. of pages: 582
- Language: English
- Edition: 1
- Published: August 3, 2023
- Imprint: Academic Press
- Paperback ISBN: 9780323912334
- eBook ISBN: 9780323998239
PZ
Peng Zhang
Dr Peng Zhang obtained his Ph.D. (2013) in bioinorganic chemistry from the University of the Chinese Academy of Sciences. He was an associate professor in the Institute of High Energy Physics (CAS) from 2015 to 2018. He currently works at the School of Geography, Earth and Environmental Sciences, University of Birmingham, UK. His research interests include nano-enabled sustainable agriculture, food security, nanosafety, (eco)toxicology and environment remediation. He was awarded James J. Morgan ES&T Early Career Award 2022 for his contribution in developing innovative solutions for sustainable nanotechnology and nano-enabled agriculture. Dr Zhang is the Youth Editor for The Innovation, and on the editorial board of Reviews of Environmental Contamination and Toxicology, Frontiers in Plant Science and Frontiers in Sustainable Food Systems. He is a full member of The Society of Toxicology of USA
Affiliations and expertise
School of Geography, Earth and Environmental Sciences, University of Birmingham, UKIL
Iseult Lynch
Iseult Lynch holds a PhD in Chemistry from University College Dublin, Ireland. She is Chair (Professor) of Environmental Nanosciences at the School of Geography, Earth and Environmental Sciences, University of Birmingham (UoB). She was recently awarded the 2020 John Jeyes prize for Environmental Sciences from the Royal Society of Chemistry for her research into the impacts of the acquired ecological corona on nanomaterials ecotoxicity. Her research interests span human and environmental impacts of engineered and anthropogenic nanoscale materials including development of predictive models and environmental applications of nanomaterials, with a focus on nanomaterials interactions with secreted biomolecules and the implications of this for the nanomaterials themselves and ecosystems. She is interested in the development of in silico approaches for predicting nanomaterials interactions and impacts.
Affiliations and expertise
School of Geography, Earth and Environment, University of Birmingham, Edgbaston, Birmingham, UKJW
J.C. White
Jason C. White is Director of the Connecticut Agricultural Experiment Station, the oldest Agricultural Experiment Station in the country. He is Managing Editor for the International Journal of Phytoremediation, on the editorial boards of Environmental Pollution and NanoImpact and on the Editorial Advisory Boards of Environmental Science & Technology and Environmental Science & Technology Letters and the Immediate Past President of the International Phytotechnology Society. His primary research program focuses food safety and security, with specific interests on the impact of nanomaterials on agricultural plants and on the use of nanotechnology to sustainably increase food production and promote global food security. He has secondary appointments at the Harvard University TH Chan School of Public Health, the University of Texas-El Paso, the University of Massachusetts, and Post University. h-index is 51, i-10 index is 164 and he has published approximately 240 papers that have been cited 11,991 times.
Affiliations and expertise
The Connecticut Agricultural Experiment Station, New Haven, CT, USARH
Richard D. Handy
Professor Handy has served on many international working groups and scientific committees; most recently on nanomaterials for the OECD, US NNI, and founder member of the UK Nanotechnology task force working on aspects of ecotoxicology. He also advises on animal welfare and alternative techniques, and is expert on whole animal biology.
Affiliations and expertise
School of Biological and Marine Sciences, University of Plymouth, Plymouth, UKRead Nano-enabled Sustainable and Precision Agriculture on ScienceDirect